Schwarzenegger was in Mexico City today for the swearing-in ceremony of new president Felipe Calderon, and was quoted in an Associated Press story as noting the raucous event was “good action.”

But according to Margita Thompson, Schwarzenegger’s press secretary, Schwarzenegger arrived in the Congressional chamber where the ceremony took place only about 10 minutes before Calderon was rushed to the stage. The governor missed most of the pushing and shoving that has been airing all day on cable news.

AP

Thompson said the governor was seated in a balcony above the stage and did hear plenty of cheers and jeers before the Mexican national anthem was played, which apparently quieted things down.

Schwarzenegger had started the day with a breakfast that included the first President Bush, U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the American ambassador to Mexico and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez. He left for the airport immediately after the ceremony, and he met the Canadian prime minister at the airport before flying back to Los Angeles.

Taking a diplomatic spin on the day, Schwarzenegger said “It was fascinating to see how people were so passionate about democracy,” according to Thompson.